The Elizabethan theatre proved to be extremely lucrative and Shakespeare was able to take a share of the profits.

BBC: Shakespeare 'first great writer entrepreneur'

And if Shakespeare doesn't take, there's always a backup: Miss Trunchbull.

WSJ: Britain Exports a Double Bill

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is to take a season of plays to Newcastle, two years after its annual visits were scrapped due to funding cuts.

BBC: RSC returns to Newcastle after cuts

Shakespeare gives his tragic heroes big endings: they take poison, fall on their swords, perish in duels.

ECONOMIST: Lexington